MODULE 8: COMMUNICATION FOR WORK PURPOSES

Lesson 1 (Communication in the Workplace)

Introduction

Importance of Communication in the Workplace

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRRJdxKGGTY

Workplace communication is he transmitting of information between one person or group and

another person or group in an organization. It is vital to an organization’s ability to be productive and
operate smoothly and effectively.

Effective communication in the workplace is an integral element of a business’ success; it

enhances relationships within the company and with clients, and it increases employee engagement and
the overall effectiveness of a team. Employees can experience an increase in morale, productivity and
commitment if they are able to communicate up and down the communication chain in an organization.

Learning Content

A. Types of Communication in Workplace

There are ways by which people in the business world communicate with one another.

1. Internal Communication – this refers to the exchange of communication within the organization.

a. Downward Communication – The direction of communication is from superior to the

subordinate/s. These are memorandums sent to people occupying lower positions;

b. Upward Communication – The direction of communication is from the subordinate to the

person with higher rank or position. This can be memorandum in answer to a memo sent by a
superior to an employee or a proposal.

c. Lateral Communication – This is communication between or among officials in a business

entity occupying the same rank.

2. External Communication – this refers to the exchange of communication of the organization with
the outside world. It can be formal or informal.

B. Importance of Communication in Workplace

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqnJ13khemw

1. It improves productivity

Being able to communicate effectively at work can help increase overall productivity. Managers
can understand their employees’ talents and skills and will then give clear directions to the people that
are best suited for the job, thus increasing the overall turnaround time of any given project.

2. It can increase employee’s job satisfaction

 Employees feel empowered if they are able to have upward communication. If bosses or
managers are able to listen to employees and respond, this leads to an increase in employee’s job
satisfaction.

In addition, employees are also happy if there is intense downward communication, which is

information flowing down from superiors or managers to direct reports.

3. It improves team building

Honest and effective communication can create a strong team. When staff consult with each
other, consider other opinions and discuss their progress, they will be more enthused to collaborate. As
a result, the strong unit that they create makes the workplace more enjoyable, and they will be eager to
perform well so they do not let their teammates down.

Indeed, communication helps solve employee’s morale issues by keeping entire teams in the loop,
making all team members feel useful within the workplace. This lack of secrecy not only boosts team
spirit but it also has a positive effect on staff attitudes.

3. It boosts growth

Great communication contributes to the growth of the business, which goes hand in hand with
your career. It eliminates uncertainties and speeds up the process of policies to ensure there is a
smooth delivery of projects.

4. It increases innovation

If employees are scared of communicating their thoughts and ideas out of fear of being rejected,
then they are likely to become stagnant in their career and only contribute the bare minimum.
However, if there is an open line of communication between supervisors and staff members, they are
encouraged to be more creative and innovative within the workplace, and they are likely to put forth
new and creative ideas.

  5. It increases efficiency

Poor communication compromises efficiency, as well as the overall quality of work. When
instructions are not provided clearly, mistakes are bound to happen. On the other hand, clear
instructions eliminate the need to clarify and correct any issues.

6. It increases loyalty

When you have a good line of communication with management, you are naturally going to be
more loyal to the organization. You will feel comfortable discussing any professional or personal
issues, and you will be more committed to the company.

This free line of communication also builds trust between a manager and an employee, which results
in a loyal relationship. A two-way line of respect ensures there’s no micromanagement involved and
that an employee is trusted to get on with the job that they were hired to do.

7. It reduces mitigation conflict

 Two people in the workplace may feel that they are communicating well, but because they both
have different methods of communication, they are misunderstanding each other. Therefore, working
with different personalities requires excellent communication skills to limit any conflict in the
workplace.

8. It increases employee engagement

Good communication goes far beyond talking; it is more about connecting and engaging with
others. When teams are engaged, they are more aligned with the company’s goals and are generally
more motivated to work towards the set targets.

It is also easier for managers to identify what makes a positive and satisfying working environment,
allowing them to work towards achieving a balanced working life for their employees.

9. It resolves problems

There is bound to be characters that clash and opinions that differ within any working
environment. The best way to solve those problems is clear communication.

Effective communication is not about who is right and wrong; it is about having open, honest and
positive discussions to ensure everyone’s needs are met. You are not always going to see eye to eye
with your work opponent, but if you can find a way to work well with them, you will make the
environment much more enjoyable for everyone around you.

10. It enhances skills

Managers can identify hidden talents when they communicate clearly with their employees. By
doing so, they can tap into these skills and help enhance them, which will contribute to the overall
success of the business.